Causes of Common Cold

Cold symptoms can be caused by more than 200 different viruses. Each can bring the sneezing, scratchy throat and runny nose that can be the first signs of a cold. The colds we catch in winter are usually triggered by the most common viral infections in humans, a group of germs called rhinoviruses. Rhinoviruses and a few other cold-causing viruses seem to survive best in cooler weather. Their numbers surge in September and begin to dwindle in May.

During summer months, the viral landscape begins to shift. “Generally speaking, summer and winter colds are caused by different viruses,” says Dr. Michael Pichichero, a pediatrician and infectious disease researcher at the Rochester General Hospital Research Institute in New York. “When you talk about summer colds, you’re probably talking about a non-polio enterovirus infection.”

When you have bronchitis, the airways in your lungs swell and produce mucus, which causes you to cough.

Source:CDC3

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Mycoplasma pneumoniae: The most common type of illness caused by these bacteria, especially in children, is tracheobronchitis, commonly called a chest cold. This illness is often seen with other upper respiratory tract symptoms, like a sore throat.

Genetics of Common Cold

Consider the common cold virus, for example. Anyone who comes in contact with the virus could become infected. However, some people have a genetic predisposition that makes them more likely to get sick. If you know this ahead of time
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